Berndt Toast Gang Artists

“Cartoonist Showcase”

March 1, 2016 – April 24, 2016. Meet the Artists: Sunday, March 6th, 2:00 to 4:00pm

The Berndt Toast Gang began after World War II, when local cartoonists would visit wounded soldiers in local VA hospitals and draw for them (a tradition that continues to this day with members drawing for children suffering from life-threatening diseases, and visiting the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan). It wasn’t until 1966 that the members decided to meet once a month to talk shop, laugh, and commiserate.

The Berndt Toast Gang (named after the late Walter Berndt who was the creator of the long-running strip, “Smitty”) is one of the largest Long Island branches of the National Cartoonists Society. Since all the members work from their own studio, meeting for lunch once a month seemed the best way to keep abreast of each other’s progress. It has become a tradition that the members raise a toast to a departed cartoonist at every lunch. The Gang has lost many talented people through the years, and added many new friends. Almost fifty years later, the Gang still meets every month.

All the artists pride themselves as being one big family. Their goal is to strengthen the membership of the Berndt Toast Gang, and to share their work and talents with the community.

Artist Inquiries should be directed to Adrian C. Sinnott's e-mail:

Regularly Scheduled Adult Programs

Relax while coloring or making simple, fun, paper crafts. Bring your own coloring supplies. Annina Luck provides a craft activity and inspiration on the second of the two dates each month. No registration required. Open to all.

This twice weekly Tai Chi class is led by a certified instructor from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. This practice helps older adults improve balance and increase confidence. Self-initiated movements include body weight shifting, unilateral weight bearing, trunk rotation, ankle sways and coordinated eye-head-hand movements. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat and towel or blanket to class. Fitness classes require participants to sign a waiver on the first day. Registration begins January 2 for HPL cardholders and January 9 for out-of-district residents.

In January 2018, Huntington Public Library and Literacy Nassau began the third year of our Next Chapter Book Club at the Main Library. This club provides an opportunity for adults (18 years and older) with developmental disabilities (DD) to gather together in a relaxed, community setting to form friendships through reading and talking about books. All are welcome, regardless of reading level. Members are supported by Librarian Maureen Comerford. For more information, contact Librarian Maureen Comerford at: 631-427-5165, ext. 237, or email . You may also contact Cindy Cabrera, Regional Director of Literacy Nassau's Next Chapter Book Club at (516) 867-3580, ext. 15.

Enhance Fitness is a proven community based senior fitness and arthritis management program. Its purpose is to help older adults become more active, energized, and empowered for independent living. The program consists of low impact exercise classes that are safe and challenging for older adults of all fitness levels and focuses on increasing cardiovascular endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility which can help reduce arthritis symptoms. A certified instructor leads classes at a pace that works for each participant. Registration for this program is directly through the YMCA. Call 631-421-4242.

Beginner English Classes

Tuesdays, March 6, 20, 27; April 3, 10 & 24; > • 5:30 pm - 6:30

Thursdays, March 8, 22, 29; April 5, 12 & 19 • 5:30 pm - 6:30

Register using code HSA083All sessions are in the Station Community Room. Huntington Library is offering beginner English class for new English speakers with little or no English skills. A Native English speaker will teach this class which is designed to help new English speakers practice and improve Basic English skills in a casual and fun environment. Participants may attend as many sessions as they like. Registration required. Open to all.

Register using code HSA084Improve basic writing, speaking, reading and listening in English. Learn language skills that will help you feel more independent and confident in daily life. Registration required. Open to all.

Whether you are a new-comer or have used pastels before, this class will cover new and additional information to help you achieve the next level in pastel painting. Always important, the concept of value, chroma and intensity of color (and how to determine the appropriate application of each)will be demonstrated and discussed. We will also cover basic design elements such as proportion, perspective, compositional balance, etc. Supplies: A multi-colored pad (of Canson basic pastel paper (may be purchased at Michael’s or Riebes), no smaller than 9 x 12” Foam core board (or similar) to back your pastel paper with, a table easel with a drop cloth of some sort to put under your easel, at least one box of pastels (Michaels brand is fine but please purchase 24 color size if possible) Paper Towels, clamps and/or masking tape, good reference landscape photos or still life objects. A non-refundable payment of $40.00 is due at time of registration online or in person by check or money order made payable to Huntington Public Library. Registration required. HPL cardholders only.

As part of Parker Jewish Institute’s Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiver Support Initiative, a Caregiver Ambassador will meet one-on-one with caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. The licensed social worker is trained to assist with information and referrals regarding caregiver programs, medical care, respite care, benefits, support groups, and more. She will offer free memory screenings, tips on how to speak with your doctor about memory problems, and will discuss with caregivers the importance of taking a break! Open to all. First come, first served.

Gentle movements from the comfort of a chair help increase strength and mobility. Hand weights provided. Registration required for either the Tuesday OR the Thursday class with non-refundable payment of $50.00 (10 sessions) online, by credit card, or in-person by check or money order payable to Huntington Public Library. Registration begins March 1st for HPL cardholders and March 8th for out-of-district residents.

Certified Iyengar Yoga teacher Ann McDermott-Kave teaches this class for all levels. Registration required with non-refundable payment of $50.00 for Wednesdays (10 sessions) OR $50.00 for Saturdays (10 sessions) online by credit card, or in-person by check or money order payable to Huntington Public Library. Registration begins March 1st for HPL cardholders and March 8th for out-of-district residents.

Discover new watercolor techniques to free you of watercolor anxiety, learn to trust your instincts with color and make drips work for you. Jan provides demos and constructive critiques. Projects may include landscape, portrait, floral or still life. Bring your supplies. See the recommended supply list at the public service desks OR in the online program record. Registration required with a non-refundable payment of $40.00, online by credit card or in person by check or money order payable to Huntington Public Library. HPL cardholders only. Open to all on March 22.

Our popular walking program is back for the spring! A great opportunity to get fit with friends, and meet new friends, too. Wear your walking shoes, bring your Fitbit or step tracker, and “Walk Your Way” to a better you! Meet at Heckscher Park, Route 25A & Prime Avenue, in the parking lot on Prime Avenue. Registration required. Open to all.

Senior Advocate

Monday,March 19 • 10:00am - 12:00pm • Main Library’s Main Floor

A Senior Advocate from the Suffolk County Office of the Aging, will assist seniors with complicated forms and answers questions regarding county programs and services for seniors. No registration required. Open to all seniors and those who have concerns about a senior issue. Please check-in at the Reference Desk upon your arrival.

Oriented toward the 50+ driver, but open to younger drivers. New York State Driver’s license required. Registration required in-person with non-refundable payment of $20.00 (AARP members) or $25.00 (non-members) payable to AARP. Open to all.

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The Library is now selling discounted tickets to several area attractions! Cash, check or money order is needed at time of purchase, payable to Huntington Public Library. Credit or debit card cannot be accepted at this time. Tickets may be purchased at the Main's and the Station Branch's Circulation Desks.